Hey everyone, I'm new to this forum because I just purchased a 2002 Reg. Cab, SB, 4.7L, Auto, SLT, 2wd, Ram 1500. I bought it yesterday. My dad has a Quad Cab just like mine except it's blue. Anyway, I was just curious if you guys could give me any advice on my truck. So far I've checked the engine oil, tranny fluid, radiator fluid, and air filter, and they all look awesome. Seriously. This truck has 94,000 miles on here yet you wouldn't know it. What's the skinny on my rear diff? I think I'll need to change that. But I'm not to familiar with that. Like I said, I like this truck a ton, and would like to keep liking it for a while to come, so please give me some help. By the way, I've got no floor mats, so if anybody has a word on a pair of the dark ones, please tell me. Thanks again.

 

Get slush mats - the best floor mats you can buy. As far as the truck, take it in and have every fluid changed unless you have very detailed records.

 

All that came with the truck was the owners manual. Though, I checked all the fluids out and they are full and really clean. I bought the truck at an auction, before that, it sat out in the lot of a a car sales place called Garber motors. The only reason I know that is that they had their window stickers pasted all over the windows. I think they had all the fluids changed out and the truck ready to be sold, but 3+ dollars per gallon around here is what probably made them take it to the auction. Lucky me, I picked it up 1,500 dollars under book value. The truck looks like a highway truck. Clean underneath w/ Michelin LTX M/S tires.

 

As stumpbreaker said, I would get the fluids (differential, tranny, oil) changed.
Note: Use ONLY ATF+4 (or synthetic Amsoil or Mobile automatic transmission fluid) in your transmission. NO exceptions!

If you plan on doing work on your own vehicle, I would highly recommend getting a factory service manual for it. You can purchase service manuals from Chryler: printed ($110), or on a CD ($90).
You can also download a 2003 service manual via THIS thread (free, 83MB). I would think most, if not all, information would be the same as on your 2002.
These manuals are the same ones the dealer uses, and includes ALL electrical diagrams, etc. Much better than a Haynes or Chiltons manual.

 

I'd rec that you do the 90k service on the truck. That will cover just about everything.

 

On top of all the fluids being changed (and YES change them all!) if you haven't already I would look up the trucks vin number to see if it was in a wreck or if something had been done to or anything really just to check on its background a little. From what your saying it almost sounds to good to be true 90,000 on an 02' for $1,500? And the fact that it was auctioned off raises some flags too. Id definately check into it. Otherwise as said before change all the fluids and take it in for a 90,000 mile service (be prepared to clean out your wallet though cause it wont be cheap!) and enjoy your truck.

 

I think he said he got it for $1500 below book value. Which "book" he was using, I don't know. There are many; blue book, black book, etc.

Anyhow, I'd recommend just to drop the tranny pan and replace the filters and replace what ATF was in there. I wouldn't recommend a "powerflush" if you don't know the history. I'd also recommend to change the oil, flush the radiator, and change the rear diff oil. I made a guide on how to do the rear diff. You can do a search and find it.

Also, congrats on your new truck and Welcome to DF

 

Thanks for the welcome. To clear up the purchase of this truck. I live in Daytona Beach, FL. You can pick up vehicles in FL cheaper than anywhere else. It went to the auction because I ride on my Fathers dealer license. I sat and watched ten other trucks that day go for 2,000 dollars under the Manheim Dealers book. The automall that had this truck, I would think, got tired of having it taking up space out front because everyone's looking for a more fuel efficient way of transportation.(Thank god for motorcycles!) Though book value doesn't matter, this truck is nice. I owned a ford F-150 and am MUCH more pleased with this truck than the other. This truck is a non smoker with not one tear in the seats or scrape on the paint. All original paint all around. No signs of body work anywhere. But I'm going to do a carfax on it anyway. Quick question: What help would a K&N air filter do to my truck and would say a 50 air intake kit on ebay be better? Just shootin that out there.

 

You can do a search of CAI and be able to read all day. The 4.7L motor responds to air and intake mods fairly well, from the responses on the board. Also, check in Fast Man throttle bodies. He's a sponsor and always has positive feedback on this site.